A New Beginning (Bac and Phil)

[Brandon Rhea]

The Jedi Temple on Tython was buzzing with activity. Jedi and Alliance diplomats and politicians alike scrambled to make final preparations for the arrival of Mandalore the Indomitable, leader of the Mandalorian people that now faced annihilation at the hands of the Sith. A treaty between the Galactic Alliance and the Mandalorians had already been under intense negotiations for weeks, but the process was sped up once the threat of an Imperial invasion of Mandalorian space became clear.

The terms of the alliance between the Mandalorians and the Galactic Alliance, already negotiated before Mandalore had arrived on Tython, were simple. The Mandalorians would be allowed to settle in the Moddell subsector region. Planets they could settle on or, if not habitable, use for their military purposes were Zaddja, Codia, Gannria, Chalcedon, Trewyth, and the forest moon of Endor.

Anything blue inside that black area can be used by the Mandalorians.​

They would not own the planets—Endor, for example, had a civilization of Ewoks—but the Mandalorians would be autonomous within their own territory on the planets. The Alliance would maintain equal and unrestricted access to the worlds, but the Mandalorians would govern themselves, free from Alliance interference, and they would have a safe place to live.

Warding off any signs of Alliance aggression against the Empire was the absence of any terms relating to a military alliance between these two allying powers. Instead, this was a settlement accord, nothing more and nothing less, that would provide the Mandalorians safe haven in Alliance space.

The Sage Master, acting in the steed of the Grand Master, was sure that the Alliance military would seek a military alliance at some point, but they all understood the implications that such a treaty would hold now. Instead the Sage Master would sign this particular treaty for the Jedi and, after having been given the authority by the Galactic Congress, on behalf of the Chief of State, who was not able to attend after the signing was moved forward to today.

For now, Jhon stood, alone, in the Jedi Council chambers, awaiting the arrival of Mandalore.

 

[Phil]

He was not one to delay in such drastic times, and he made his arrival with haste. He came in a shuttle that bore no Mandalorian signs or identification, for he could not risk rising any suspicion of his enemies that Mandalorians were going to meet with the Jedi. Bearing his Mandalore armor and helm to not only protect his identity, but also to represent his people as a whole, Roxton Dagger made his way towards the boarding ramp of his shuttle. Taking with him was only his side arm, one he would relinquish if needed as he turned around to see his faithful Droid following him.

"Aspect, I'll be fine from here. Wait for my return, and contact me only if anything happens that requires me."

"Very well, Sir-Mandalore."

With the droid returning to the cockpit, Mandalore himself turned back to the ramp and disembarked. From there he quickly walked from the landing area and into the temple itself. Having been informed ahead of time where to meet, it took little effort to locate where the meeting and signing was to take place. Once he was at the door, he prepped himself one final time and pushed the doors open to find only one man inside.

"Master Jedi, I presume?"

 

[Brandon Rhea]

The door to the Council chambers opened and Mandalore stepped through. Clad head to toe in Mandalorian armor, the blue and gray metal that adorned the warrior was unlike anything a Jedi Temple typically saw. With new security precautions that were being put in place, even the blaster at his side would have generally been removed, but the Sage Master made it clear that the visiting Mandalore would be allowed to keep it. They were here to foster trust, not to suggest Mandalore was a prisoner.

Still, it was a stark contrast to the Jedi Master who waited in the chambers, wearing a set of Jedi robes and a cloak that covered it. Jhon always preferred a more simple attire, something that his tenure as acting Chief of State, where he attended numerous political functions, reminded him not to take for granted.

“Mandalore, it is my honor to welcome you to the Jedi Temple,” Jhon said, offering a courteous bow in honor of the arriving head of state. “I know you have a tight timeframe, so, if you wish, please join me and we can sign the treaty.”

The document sat on a table before the Sage Master, and two pens sat just beneath it. The parchment used to record the treaty was something Jhon appreciated; in an age where virtually everything was done technologically, it was a testament to the power of friendships that they would still be codified without technology.

“The Chief of State and Grand Master send their regards,” Jhon told him, “and the Chief of State wishes to convey his best wishes to your people during this struggle. He has also asked me to remind you, should you wish to change your minds, that you are not bound by law to settle on these worlds or remain there. You may come and go as you please. Our goal is not to restrict your people’s freedom by any means, geographically or otherwise.”

 

[Phil]

"As it is with you."

He spoke, returning the bow towards the Jedi Master. They were a people to also be respected, regardless of the opinion some of his people had for them.

"Straight down to business, an admirable trait."

Mandalore replied when it was suggested they get to signing the treaty. His hands were folded behind his back as he walked with the Jedi Master. When they reached it, He went to gaze down at it to ensure everything was as it was. It was a quick look at it as he listened into Jhon's words about the agreement.

"That is good, very good to hear. Yes, this treaty and our new settlements will be beneficial to us in these dark times." He looked towards the pens, and his armored hand gently grabbed the one nearest to him and held it, ready to sign. "I'll ensure that this generosity will not go unnoticed by me or my people."

With that said, he looked down to his spot to sign and did what he had traveled here to do, to not only save his people but also their culture and way of life.

"I must say, you have my condolences about the bombing on Coruscant. It was a terrible act, and we hope to ensure nothing of the like happens to us or our allies."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jhon too leaned in to sign, etching his name into the document and, hopefully, forever solidifying a friendship between the Mandalorians and the Galactic Alliance. They both needed that, now more than ever. Jhon's role in the negotiations were limited, but he felt a sense of satisfaction that he was here now.

“Thank you for your kind words, Mandalore,” Jhon said as he placed the pen back onto the table. “Let us hope that such a fate does not befall any of your people in the coming days.”

The Sage Master extended his hand, waiting for Mandalore to take it, and said, “May the Force be with you and all the Mandalorians.”

 

[Phil]

"We... can only hope."

Mandalore stated, and with the treaty signed by both parties, their fates were sealed. When the Jedi Master extended his hand to him, wishing him the best in his own words, Mandalore extended his other hand to firmly shake it in return, making sure not to squeeze too tight with his armored hand.

"As to you and your fellow Jedi."

Now it was time to go and save his people before the Sith got any deceitful ideas. With them now at their mercy at the moment, the Sith could decide to attack whenever they wanted.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

The Sage Master nodded again in respect as Mandalore left, and he remained with the newly signed treaty. With the Mandalorian leader now gone, a young Jedi diplomat entered the chambers, approaching Jhon and the document with haste.

“Master Cordatus,” the young man, Jarid Davro, said, bowing towards the Councilor, “the Grand Master asks you to contact him immediately. He says it’s a matter of great importance.”

“Thank you, Jarid,” Jhon said, returning the bow. “Ensure that this document is delivered to the Alliance diplomats at once.”

Davro agreed, and he took the signed treaty with him to where the Alliance diplomats were staying in the temple. Jhon too left the Council chambers, returning to his own private chambers to contact the Grand Master. The Force was shifting strangely around the Sage Master, but he didn’t know why. Something told him that change was in the air, change that the Grand Master would inform him of, but only their conversation would tell.

Little did the Sage Master know that this would be the moment where the mantle of leadership, Grand Master of the New Jedi Order, would now rest on his shoulder.